Third-Year Fellows
Samantha DiBenedetto, MD
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina Wilmington
Medical School: St. George’s University
Residency: University of Florida
What drew you to UVA for your hematology/oncology fellowship training
The biggest draw to UVA was the people – the fellows were openly happy, friendly, and easy to talk to, the faculty were genuinely welcoming, approachable, and transparent about the department’s goals, and Dr. Hall was very enthusiastic and passionate about fellow education & development. This collegial and close-knit environment, coupled with robust clinical training, exposure to a wide diversity of patients and pathologies, strong mentorship with abundant opportunities for research, and the flexibility to custom design your schedule to fit your interests made UVA the best fit for me!
What is your favorite thing about living in Charlottesville, VA?
Besides the amazingly friendly and welcoming people I already mentioned (both at the hospital and in the community), I love the picturesque mountain views from literally anywhere you look! In my short time here so far I have really enjoyed exploring many of the outdoor activities Charlottesville has to offer – from hiking, biking, kayaking, wandering the outdoor mall, and of course, visiting the wineries!
Eric Pierce, MD
Undergraduate: North Carolina State University
Medical School: The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Residency: University of Virginia
What drew you to UVA for your hematology/oncology fellowship training?
The major factor that interested me in UVA for fellowship training was my experience with the hematology/oncology department as a resident. While learning on my hematology/oncology rotations, the enthusiasm and camaraderie within the department were apparent. I strongly felt that UVA would aid me in reaching my career goals given it was both academically rigorous and at the same time supportive. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to train as a part of the UVA team.
What is your favorite thing about living in Charlottesville, VA?
My favorite thing about living in Charlottesville is the ability to get outdoors on a day off. Whether it be enjoying a local brewery/winery or hiking, you are never short of great mountain views in this area.
What is one piece of advice on how to be successful in fellowship?
Fellowship can be overwhelming at times when you think of the personal and professional growth that needs to occur over time. There is a lot of information to learn within a very dynamic field. Try to keep your day to day focus on learning as much as you can from your patients and colleagues. Be present in the moment. You will be amazed how rapidly you will learn and grow with this mindset.
Nicholas Schmidt, MD
Undergraduate: University of South Carolina
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: University of Virginia
What drew you to UVA for your hematology/oncology fellowship training?
Without a doubt the people that I’d get a chance to work with in fellowship. I had the opportunity to work as a Heme/Onc Hospitalist at UVA in the year between finishing residency and applying for fellowship. During this time I got to work closely with many of the supportive faculty at UVA, people I look forward to working with over the next 3 years as a fellow. Most importantly, I got to meet/work alongside my would-be co-fellows, all of whom are impressive physicians as well as entertaining and caring people. In the end, the opportunity to work with these great people while learning how to take excellent care of patients satisfied everything I was looking for in a fellowship program.
What is your favorite thing about living in Charlottesville, VA?
I’ve now lived here for 6 years. My favorite parts about this area are great local hiking and the local vineyards/wineries. Even if you’re not a wine connoisseur (I am not) you can still enjoy beautiful views of the mountains while sipping on a glass of their cheapest red. And if you have a more refined palate than I, there are several award-winning selections to choose from.